Nine or 10 Weeks Before

A restaurant or catering hall? Your home, or that of a friend or family member? If you need an outside venue, scout around and book it early.

CheckPick a date.

Consult with the honoree’s mother, sisters, and best friends—especially those who’ll be traveling long distances—to find a time when all can be present. Shoot for a month or two before the due date, or at least a month after the baby comes home.

CheckMake a guest list.

Decide whether to invite women only or couples, then e-mail the honoree’s closest family members and friends for a list of people they think should be invited (with phone numbers and mailing addresses—as well as e-mail addresses, if you’ll be sending an Evite). Or, if the shower is not a surprise, consult with the guest of honor.

Six Weeks Before

CheckChoose a theme, if you’d like.

It can be traditional (baby-related) or as simple as a garden theme, with baskets of flowers and pots of wheatgrass. Keep in mind the tastes of the expectant mother.

CheckSend out invitations.

Provide a map or directions to the location and an RSVP deadline of no later than a week before the date.

CheckGo shopping.

Buy decorations and disposable tableware, plus party favors and goody bags (or order them online).

CheckPlan the menu.

A brunch or tea party is traditional; a light dinner works for evening showers. Also consider finger foods, a potluck, or a dessert party. If you have a theme, the foods should reflect it. If you’ll be doing the cooking, try to choose dishes that can be made a week ahead and frozen, or at least the day before.

A Month Before

CheckLine up some extra hands.

Arrange for cooking, serving, or bartending help or entertainment, as needed.

CheckOrder the cake.

Also, the flowers, rental chairs, etc.

CheckHelp with thank-you notes.

Print out the invitation list, with complete addresses, to give to the honoree (now, if it’s not a surprise; later, if it is), or buy cards yourself and address them for her.

CheckPrepare some games.

Stock up on whatever materials are needed to play, such as pencils.

A Week Before

CheckFollow up on RSVP stragglers.

CheckPut together the goody bags.

And if you have prizes for the games, wrap those.

CheckPlan to get the gifts home.

Lay in a store of handled shopping bags, and use discarded wrapping paper to cushion items. If the honoree lives a plane ride away, have labeled shipping boxes and packing materials ready.

CheckAssign a photographer.

You’ll want your best shutterbug to take photos or videos.

CheckClean up.

If the party is at your home, give it a thorough cleaning.

CheckShop and cook, if needed.

If you’ll be doing the cooking, buy all the nonperishables, and prepare as much freezable food as possible.

Three Days Before

CheckComplete the grocery shopping.

Finish up the food preparations.

The Day Before

CheckDo a quick cleaning sweep.

Give your house the once-over.

CheckSet up the party space.

Arrange the furniture. Put out the favors, prizes, and games, and check to make sure you have everything you need. Set out trash bags where the gifts will be opened. And decorate.